Patrick Willse
Discover lessons that balance theory and innovation while adapting to your personal learning journey.
Private lessons - Patrick Willse
Bachelors degree
$33
/ hour
About your guitar teacher
Hello, I am Patrick Willse and I am an active professional performing and recording multi-instrumentalist based in Asheville, North Carolina. I have been teaching guitar and electric bass for the past 15 years, I am more than capable of teaching all aspects of Guitar, Bass, Music Theory. Specializing in classical and flamenco fingerstyle technique and slap bass technique, I can share my expertise with all ages and skill levels, from children to adults, beginners to advanced players alike. I teach a wide variety of styles of music, Classical, Rock, Blues and more with a focus toward reading notation and understanding theory, scales, and modes in the language of Jazz. With a particular eye toward a student based teaching style, I craft my lessons toward each students' wants, goals, and needs. Let's strum our way to musical excellence together!
Fun and relaxed guitar classes
90% Students enjoy learning without feeling pressured
Boosts confidence in shy learners
88% parents notice improved self-esteem and stage presence
Customized guitar classes for every level
Beginners to advanced players feel the pace suits their needs
Guitar lessons overview
I specialize in teaching guitar and bass to a diverse range of hundreds of students, ranging from children to adults of every skill level. I rely on a student-based teaching approach which incorporates the creative application of music theory and reading to foster a stronger relationship between the student and this beautiful thing that is music. I personalize lesson instruction using tech tools like DAWs, notation, and chord diagram apps to enhance learning both online and offline. My tailored curriculum follow IB standards, ensuring a comprehensive musical education. My methodology strength lies in creative yet practical application, fostering a deep understanding of music, and nurturing the lifelong passion for playing guitar or bass. I strongly believe that the concepts of patience, practice, and persistence are key to learning any instrument and cultivate the difference between practice and play.
Your guitar teacher specialities
Guitar for beginners
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Chord Progressions
Guitar Techniques
Chords and Rhythms
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Common Core State Standards - CCSS (USA)
Songs and Repertoire
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Guitar concept taught by Patrick
On July 24, 2025, Max Guillet and Patrick Willse had a guitar lesson where they discussed arpeggios, scales, chord-scale relationships, chord inversions, and modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, etc.). Patrick emphasized rote practice for improvisation and planned to send Max modal exercises. Max also expressed interest in piano and hybrid picking.
Chord Inversions
Hybrid Picking
Arpeggios
Mixolydian Mode
Dorian Mode
Ionian Mode
Modes
Patrick and Max discussed music theory concepts related to guitar playing, including modes, relative pitch, and key differences. Max shared his experience practicing with a chart and his confusion regarding E minor versus E flat major. Patrick plans to provide Max with the complete chart to further their understanding of harmony.
Relative Pitch
Harmony and Chord Construction
Keys and Capos
Modes and Ionian
Patrick taught Erskine about the relationships between intervals, chords, arpeggios, and modes on the guitar, focusing on practical application and fretboard understanding. Erskine practiced different arpeggio fingerings and modes within the G major scale. Erskine will practice arpeggios and modes, focusing on learning the notes, and they will resume lessons in two weeks.
Intervals
Music Theory Simplicity
Fretboard Patterns
Modes
Arpeggios
Chord Extensions
Eddie Schwartz and Patrick Willse discussed music theory concepts related to blues and jazz guitar playing. Patrick explained turnarounds, chord construction, and the differences between major and minor blues scales. They also covered the A shape chord form, inversions, and pentatonic boxes, with Patrick assigning homework to practice applying these concepts.
Major vs. Minor
Pentatonic Scales and Chord Changes
Major Blues Scale
Chord Inversions
12-Bar Blues Turnarounds
Connecting Tails to Heads
Patrick gave Scott a guitar lesson focused on improving chord changes and rhythm, using the Cranberries' "Zombie" as a practice piece. They worked on new chords, strumming patterns, and techniques for smoother transitions, including alternative fingerings and the "Kurt Cobain trick." Patrick assigned exercises and resources for practice and will provide a Google Drive folder with transcriptions and materials, with a follow-up lesson scheduled for next week.
Rhythm Basics
Strumming Patterns
Chord Voicings
Ties
Chord Changes
Patrick gave Erskine a guitar lesson that included a review of blues progressions and an introduction to major and minor 7th chords in G major. Erskine also received guidance on adjusting his guitar's action to reduce string rattle and learned a basic finger-picking exercise. Patrick assigned sheet music for the chord drills and suggested Erskine practice finger-picking instead of using a pick for the week.
Relative Finger Position
Chord Progressions in a Key
Finger-style Picking
Dominant 7th Chords
Guitar Action Adjustment
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Bass Guitar
Free lesson slots
1 / 1
Teaching tools used in guitar classes
DAWs
Looping Pedals
PDF Sheet Music
Guitar Tuner Apps
Backing Track Libraries
Student types for guitar lessons
Adults
Beginners
Kids
Intermediate
Advanced
Interactive guitar lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Mobile joining
Open Q&A
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